You are here

San Francisco – Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi released this statement after Hong Kong democracy activists Joshua Wong, Nathan Law and Alex Chow were unjustly re-sentenced to six, eight and seven months in jail, respectively, for their leadership of the pro-democracy “Umbrella Movement” of 2014:

“Today’s re-sentencing of Joshua Wong, Nathan Law and Alex Chow should shock the conscience of the world. This egregious decision – which disqualifies these champions for universal suffrage from running for elected office for five years – is an unjust, underhanded attempt to shut down the legitimate democratic aspirations of the people of Hong Kong. This injustice offends the basic notions of freedom and democracy, and deserves the swift and unified condemnation of the international community.

“Throwing Joshua and the leadership of Hong Kong’s democratic movement in jail on charges for which they have already served sentences is the latest evidence that China has failed to live up to the promise of ‘one country, two systems.’ Since the Umbrella Movement so bravely led by Joshua and his fellow activists, China has accelerated its human rights crackdown and abandoned any pretense of honoring its pledge of sovereignty. Yet, despite China’s barrage of attacks on the freedoms of the people of Hong Kong, it is clear that the democracy movement will continue stronger than ever. Acts of cruelty and intimidation can never defeat the dreams of universal suffrage, liberty and justice.

“America has a moral duty to speak out against such injustices, because if we do not stand up for human rights in China because of economic concerns, then we lose all moral authority to talk about human rights in any other place in the world. On this dark day for democracy, we send our strongest support and solidarity for Joshua Wong, Nathan Law and Alex Chow and all those who aspire for a more hopeful, free future for Hong Kong."